Nancy Reed

Loving and kind, Nancy Reed was a good person who cared deeply for others. Nancy was someone everyone could talk to about anything. Leading with her heart in all things, Nancy listened with patience and compassion and humbly offered wisdom with grace. A loving motherly figure, Nancy was loyal to her husband, children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, enveloping them with tremendous care and support. An inspiration to all who were blessed to know her, Nancy will long be remembered by those she so dearly loved.

Despite the obvious gloom of the Great Depression and growing conflict in Europe, 1936 held much to celebrate. American track and field athlete Jesse Owens dominated the Summer Olympics in Berlin, the BBC started the first public Television broadcasts in London, and the novel Gone With the Wind was published. As President Roosevelt was elected for a second term, the Hoover Dam first began generating hydroelectric power. Nowhere was there more to celebrate than in the home of Edwin and Mary (Smith) Palmreuter as they welcomed their daughter Nancy Belle to their family on September 13, 1936, in Adrian, Michigan.

The oldest of the Palmreuters' two children, Nancy, was about five years older than her brother, Ed. Nancy's dad enjoyed sports, and Nancy followed his lead, enjoying listening to and watching the Detroit Tigers and later becoming a fan of the University of Michigan sports teams as well. She grew up with close friends and worked as a phone operator while in high school. After graduating from Adrian High School, Nancy tried college, but didn't like it at all.

On August 24, 1957, Nancy married her high school sweetheart, Harold Reed. As Harold was in school to become a teacher, Nancy worked and supported him while he earned his degree at Concordia in Illinois. During this time, the happy couple also welcomed their first child.

After Harold graduated and secured his first teaching job, the family moved to southern Illinois, where they welcomed two more children. In time, they moved to Grand Rapids, where they lived the rest of their lives. They first lived on the SE side of Grand Rapids before moving to Graceland Street on the NE side a few years later, where they would raise their family. They would remain on the near NE side throughout the rest of their marriage.

Tragically, Nancy's son, Gary, passed away from leukemia before two more children completed the family. Nancy was a supportive wife and mother who always took care of her family, faithfully preparing the morning breakfast, packing the kids' lunches, and making a warm meal for dinnertime. However, she also liked to stay busy and always had a job outside the home. The family often drove to Florida for Christmas break to visit her parents, made visits each year back to Adrian to visit extended family, and occasionally camped at Hoffmaster State Park.

For thirteen years, Nancy and Harold owned and operated Lyle Ramsey Studio, a photography studio in Breton Village. Nancy also worked as a switchboard operator at the Osteopathic Hospital, in the finance department at JCPenney, and as a receptionist at Clark Home for over 20 years. Nancy also found time to volunteer at the hospital and at St. James Lutheran Church, where the family faithfully attended, and Nancy was involved in the women's organizations.

In her leisure time, Nancy participated in bowling leagues and always enjoyed a crossword puzzle. She also did a lot of walking, and she and Harold enjoyed watching NASCAR. For many years, Nancy and Harold also attended the Indianapolis 500. Nancy continued to cheer on the U of M Wolverines and the Detroit Tigers and enjoyed motorsports.

Without a doubt, Nancy's greatest joy was her family, and she really loved becoming a grandmother and, eventually, a great-grandmother. Always willing to help with babysitting and transporting, she was a loving, fun, funny, and silly grandma and great-grandma who listened with her heart, provided unwavering encouragement, and made every grandchild and great-grandchild feel special.

Life forever changed when Harold passed away in 2010. As Nancy learned new things in his absence, she leaned on her family for support. After remaining in her home for several years, Nancy moved to Clark Home during the COVID pandemic.

As we celebrate Nancy's beautiful life, may we find much comfort in our many treasured memories and the honor of carrying her legacy forward. In each moment, we encourage our loved ones' endeavors, give our time and talents in service of others, cheer on the Wolverines and Tigers, and listen to and enjoy the good company of those we love; we keep Nancy's memory alive and inspiring others as she so inspired each of us.

Nancy Belle Reed, age 88, of Grand Rapids, passed away on Saturday, May 3, 2025.

Nancy is preceded in death by her husband, Harold; son, Gary Michael Reed; and son-in-law, David Sides.

She is survived by her children Greg (Kellie) Reed, Linda (Ted) Gerrard, Lori Sides, Becky (Sean) Malone; grandchildren: Jeremy (Mary) Reed, Joshua (Erin) Reed, Jordan (Kayleigh) Thomas, Whitney (Dave) Godfrey, Christopher and Philip Gerrard, Justin (Tricia) Sides, Melissa Humphreys, Austin (Morgan) Sides, Allison Sides, and Emily (Chad) Wagner; 18 great-grandchildren; her brother, Ed Palmreuter; sister-in-law, Mary Anne Heath; as well as nieces and nephews.

Her funeral service will be held on Tuesday, May 13, 2025, at 1 PM at St James Lutheran Church, 2040 Oakwood Ave NE, Grand Rapids, with visitation beginning at 12 Noon. Her family suggests that in lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Clark Retirement Foundation (specify Nancy Reed / Franklin Campus) (www.clarkretirement.org/foundation). To read more about Nancy, to share a memory or photo, or to sign her guestbook, visit www.heritagelifestory.com